Red Quinoa Cauliflower And Fava Bean Salad Recipes

RED QUINOA, CAULIFLOWER AND FAVA BEAN SALAD

Steps:

• Rinse the quinoa in several changes of water. Heat a heavy medium-size saucepan over medium-high heat and add the quinoa. Stir until the water on the grains has evaporated and the quinoa begins to crackle and smell toasty. Add the water and salt to taste. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer 20 minutes, until some of the quinoa grains display a little white spiral and the water has been absorbed. Remove from the heat, place a dish towel over the top of the pot and return the lid. Let sit for 15 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork.
• Meanwhile, shell and skin the fava beans. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Fill a bowl with ice water. Drop the shelled fava beans into the boiling water and boil 5 minutes. Remove from the pot with a slotted spoon and transfer immediately to the cold water. Allow the beans to cool for several minutes, then slip off their skins by pinching off the eye of the skin and squeezing gently. Hold several beans in one hand and use your other thumb and forefinger to pinch off the eyes; have a bowl for the shelled favas close at hand, and this will not take a very long time.
• Bring the water in the pot back to a boil and drop in the cauliflower. Boil 3 to 5 minutes, until just tender. Transfer to a bowl of ice water, drain and dry on paper towels. Alternatively, steam the cauliflower for 4 to 5 minutes, or see the roasting variation below.
• Whisk together the dressing ingredients. Toss the quinoa, fava beans, cauliflower and chives in a bowl. Toss with the dressing and serve.

RED BEAN SALAD WITH WALNUTS AND FRESH HERBS

Steps:

• Place the beans in a bowl and toss with the celery and herbs. Season with salt and pepper.
• If using the red onion, soak the onion in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain, rinse and drain again on paper towels. Add to the beans.
• In a mortar and pestle, mash the garlic with a generous pinch of salt and the red pepper flakes or the Aleppo pepper. Add the walnuts and grind together until the walnuts are coarsely ground but still have some texture. Toss with the beans.
• Whisk together the pomegranate molasses, lemon juice, vinegar and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk in the oils, toss with the beans, and let marinate 30 minutes. Serve.

RAINBOW QUINOA SALAD WITH FAVA BEANS AND HERBS

Steps:

• Place the quinoa in a strainer and rinse several times with cold water. Heat a heavy medium-size saucepan over medium-high heat and add the quinoa. Stir until the water on the grains has evaporated and the quinoa begins to crackle and smell toasty. Add the water and salt to taste. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer 20 minutes, until the blond quinoa grains display little white spirals and the water has been absorbed. Place a dish towel over the top of the pot and return the lid. Let sit for 15 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork or with spoons.
• Meanwhile, shell and skin the fava beans. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Fill a bowl with ice water. Drop the shelled fava beans into the boiling water and boil 5 minutes. Drain and transfer immediately to the cold water. Allow the beans to cool for several minutes, then slip off their skins by pinching off the eye of the skin and squeezing gently. Hold several beans in one hand and use your other thumb and forefinger to pinch off the eyes; have a bowl for the shelled favas close at hand, and this will not take a very long time.
• Transfer the quinoa to a large bowl. Add the favas and the herbs. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, vinegar, salt to taste, garlic, optional mustard, pepper and the oils. Toss with the quinoa and fava bean mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve on a large platter or in a wide salad bowl, garnished with the lettuce if desired.